Do You Have The Leadership Qualities of a 6th Grader?
I'm sure you have seen or at least heard of Jeff Foxworthy's game show Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? If not, the basic premise is contestants compete against 5th graders in answering grade school questions in an attempt to win $1,000,000.
I don't want to challenge your IQ against that of a 5th grader. Instead, I want to challenge your leadership qualities against that of some 6th graders who recently left an impression on me.
This past week after coming home late from a speaking engagement in Indiana, I had to wake up early the next morning for another speaking engagement at a local Middle School. To be honest, I was pretty tired. I'm a professional speaker, so I know how and when to step it up, and this was one of those days I just needed to step it up.
Yet as I walked into Rod Hames classroom at Crews Middle School, I was greeted by 6th grade students who had learned AND PRACTICED for the entire semester the Core Four leadership qualities taught by Chick Fil A. In case you don't know the Core Four that Chick Fil A teaches to all its employees, here they are…
The Core Four Leadership Qualities
1. Enthusiastic Tone
2. Enthusiastic Smile
3. Emotional Connection
4. Eye Contact
Chick Fil A employees are expected to connect emotionally and personally with each customer. They are trained to authentically look each individual in the eye, talk enthusiastically to that person, and always smile. The idea behind the Core Four is to make each customer feel valued.
The Impact of The Core Four Leadership Qualities
I walked into Rod Hames' 6th grade class tired and worn out. Yet one by one, each of the 6th graders in his class greeted me with an enthusiastic tone and smile. Each one, even the shyest of the shy, made eye contact with me. Each one made an emotional connection.
You know what? I walked out energized and rejuvenated! These 6th grades made me feel valued because they expressed the Core Four leadership qualities to me.
Here's a big THANK YOU to the 6th graders
in Rod Hames' classes at Crews Middle School!
A Question For You: Do you have the leadership qualities of a 6th graders? Are people walking away from an encounter with you energized and rejuvenated? What is something you can do today to make someone feel valued?
An Action You Can Take: Be like Rod Hames' 6th grade class. Practice Chick Fil A's Core Four leadership qualities with people you meet today!